Skip to Main Content

Chattanooga, Tennessee: Ruby Falls

A 145-foot-tall waterfall under the earth -- dramatically bathed in unnatural light -- is the centerpiece of this classic roadside cave attraction.

Visitor Tips and News About Ruby Falls

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Formations in Ruby Falls cave.

Ruby Falls

This is a truly amazing sight -- one that I will never forget. After about a half mile of walking through underground caverns, you'll be treated to a spectacular sight -- a huge waterfall. Great for all ages. And watch out if you're over 6 feet tall; you'll be doing a lot of ducking. Some of the cave walls get kind of low...

[Corey Miller, 01/04/2012]
Ruby Falls

Be sure you are capable of walking at least a mile and are okay in tight places. A lot of the time you are standing in a narrow area waiting on other groups to pass you to get out. Very confined. You only get to see the waterfall about 5 minutes before you are directed to the long, hot, route out.

[Dee, 03/20/2010]
Ruby Falls

Alas, this is a prime example of what _not_ to do in a tourist attraction. Everything is labeled, right down to the "shaft where so-and-so discovered the cave." Well DUH. They tell you it's right near the elevator; kind of redundant after that.

While the different formations are interesting, I find the whole thing ruined by the colored lights at the falls, as well as the "Yanni"-inspired music they pipe in (insert "ahhhhh!' here). Can we not just appreciate nature's wonders without artificial add-ons?

I found the whole experience disappointing... my advice is to save your money and head straight to Rock City. At least you have a nice view once you finally get to the top of the thing.

[Wagner, 02/23/2010]

This description actually makes Ruby Falls -- a commercial cave promoting its garishly illuminated waterfall -- sound great. Note: Rock City does offer breathtaking natural vista views, but don't let that discourage anyone. Its Fairyland Caverns section is eerily lit to display fluorescent painted characters. Hooray!

Ruby Falls

Ask for Dan as your tour guide. He is so funny!

[Danny Authement, 02/04/2010]

Tipster Danny assures us he is not guide "Dan." He's had Guide Dan lead him twice on the tour -- and the sequel was as funny as the original.

Ruby Falls.

Ruby Falls

This is a pretty neat experience -- if you're in town, Ruby Falls is certainly worth the time and money!

[Shannon Moore, 01/21/2010]

Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls

Address:
1720 S. Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN
Directions:
I-24 exit 175. Drive south on Browns Ferry Rd. At the first stoplight turn left onto US-64/41. Drive about one mile. Turn right at the green highway Ruby Falls sign onto Alford Hill Drive. At the stop sign turn left onto Old Wauhachie Pike. At the next stop sign turn right onto Scenic Hwy. Ruby Falls will be up the hill, on the right.
Hours:
Daily 8-8. To avoid crowds, visit early or off-season. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
423-821-2544
Admission:
Adults $23.
RA Rates:
Major Fun
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Battles for Chattanooga: Techno-MapBattles for Chattanooga: Techno-Map, Lookout Mountain, TN - < 1 mi.
International Towing and Recovery MuseumInternational Towing and Recovery Museum, Chattanooga, TN - < 1 mi.
The InclineThe Incline, Chattanooga, TN - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Russell Cave: Caveman Hangout, Bridgeport, AL - 27 mi.

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Tennessee Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center, Woodland Park, Colorado (Apr 15-21, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings